"As
soon as I earn some money----"
"Don't worry about that," interrupted the manager. He saw now
that he was dealing with one who would in no circumstances
become troublesome; he went on in an easier tone: "You can stay
till the house fills up."
"Could you give me a place to wait on table and clean up
rooms--or help cook?"
"No, I don't need anybody. The town's full of people out of
work. You can't ask me to turn away----"
"Please--I didn't know," cried the girl.
"Anyhow, I couldn't give but twelve a month and board,"
continued the manager. "And the work--for a lady like you----"
A lady! She dropped her gaze in confusion. If he knew about her birth!
"I'll do anything. I'm not a lady," said she. "But I've got to
have at least ten a week in cash."
"No such place here." The manager was glad to find the fault of
uppish ideas in this girl who was making it hard for him to be
businesslike. "No such place anywhere for a beginner."
"I must have it," said the girl.
"I don't want to discourage you, but----" He was speaking less
curtly, for her expression made him suspect why she was bent
upon that particular amount. "I hope you'll succeed. Only--don't
be depressed if you're disappointed."
She smiled gravely at him; he bowed, avoiding her eyes. She took
up her bundles and went out into Walnut Street. He moved a few
steps in obedience to an impulse to follow her, to give her
counsel and warning, to offer to help her about the larger
bundle.
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